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We are delighted to welcome the Great Tapestry of Scotland to Stirling Castle as part of its national tour. It is officially the largest embroidered tapestry in the world and tells the story of Scotland’s history.

Heritage projects ranging from the landmark Pearce Institute in Govan; one of Scotland’s finest Greek Revival house and an Oil Storage Tank in Orkney used as a visitor centre are to benefit from grants announced by Culture Minister Michael Russell today (Tuesday). Six buildings will share more than Â£790,000 from Historic Scotland’s Building Repairs Grants. The Minister said: “In the current economic climate it is essential that we support projects that will make a real and visible difference to their communities and Scotland as a whole. It is important that when we invest money in our heritage we recognise the wealth of variety across Scotland. The buildings in this round are a wonderful example of the various building styles which will provide training opportunities in a number of traditional skills. “

A programme to improve how Historic Scotland serves its customers, the ways it works with partners and shares its expertise has been announced by Culture Minister Michael Russell today (Wednesday, 20 May). Speaking at the final Historic Environment Advisory Council for Scotland (HEACS) conference, the Minister detailed the steps Historic Scotland will take. The Minister also launched a three-month consultation on the Heritage Bill (Scotland) which will modernise current heritage legislation.

Medieval Referee Wants Audience Help in Making Grand Tournament a Clean Fight

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Keeping teams in order on a football field is tough enough, but being referee for 80 warriors in a Medieval tournament is a whole new ball game. That’s the challenge for Denis Reid who will take the role of Carrick Herald Pursuivant, during Party at the Palace 1503 on 23 and 24 May. The two-day pageant and grand tournament takes place at Linlithgow Palace and recalls the celebrations for the wedding of James IV to Margaret Tudor and the signing of the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with England.

The Stanley Mills water mills complex has picked up its fourth conservation accolade in a matter of weeks. Historic Scotland staff are delighted to have been honoured with the highly prestigious Museum and Heritage Award for Restoration/Conservation. The UK-wide Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence celebrate the wealth of expertise and innovation in the industry. They spotlight the exceptional work that goes into creating world-class visitor attractions, providing recognition for operators and suppliers.

Minister's Opening Address at the Scottish Community Archaeology Conference

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First let me thank Archaeology Scotland and East Lothian Council for inviting me, and say how disappointed I am not to be able to join you today at Queen Margaret University this weekend. Your topic is one in which I have been interested for a long time – certainly long before taking over this present portfolio. We all agree that archaeology has a huge amount to contribute to investigating, understanding and celebrating Scotland.